Grow in Love: Deeper, Stronger, and Wiser
We’re continuing our journey through the book of Philippians in our “Rejoice Always” series.
Last time, we focused on how God will finish what He started in us.
Today, we focus on how we grow—specifically, how we grow in love.
Philippians 1:9–10 (NKJV)
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.”
Paul is writing to Christians who are already doing well.
But he’s not telling them to coast. He’s praying for their growth—especially that their love would abound more and more.
Part One: A Love That Overflows
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more…”
The Christian life is a life of continual growth, especially in love.
Growth isn’t just about moving from bad to good. Sometimes, we’re doing well—and God still calls us higher.
Some people think they’ve arrived:
“I know enough.”
“I love enough.”
“I do enough.”
But that attitude—self-righteousness—is dangerous.
It leads to pride, stagnation, and spiritual death.
Paul uses the Greek word perisseuō here, meaning to overflow or go beyond boundaries.
It’s like pouring water into a glass and just keeping on pouring until it spills over.
Your love should overflow:
Your patience should grow.
Your forgiveness should grow.
Your compassion should grow.
1 Thessalonians 3:12 — “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you.”
Christianity isn’t about loving once, forgiving once, or serving once—it’s about abounding more and more.
Part Two: Growing Into a Deeper Love
Today, the word love is used for everything—from coffee to cars to random feelings.
But biblical love is not shallow.
Paul prays:
“…that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge…”
The word here is epignōsis—meaning deep, relational, experiential knowledge.
It’s not about knowing facts.
It’s about knowing God, His love, and people—in a deeper, more intimate way.
Think of a marriage:
At the wedding, there’s love.
But 10, 20, 30 years later, after life’s ups and downs—that love should be deeper.
The same is true with God and with the church.
Without deeper knowledge, love stays sentimental and weak.
You must start with knowledge of God’s love:
Ephesians 3:18–19 — “May be able to comprehend… what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge…”
1 John 4:19 — “We love Him because He first loved us.”
If you struggle to love, you probably need a deeper revelation of how much God loves you.
Romans 5:5 — “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit…”
When you experience God’s love deeply:
You love Him more.
You love people better.
You are more secure and less shaken by life.
Part Three: A Deeper Love Makes Us Wiser
You’ve heard the phrase, “love is blind.”
And yes, in the world’s view, love often seems reckless, emotional, and irrational.
But God’s love is different.
“…that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment…”
The word for discernment here (aisthēsis) means spiritual sensitivity and ethical perception.
God’s love sharpens your mind—it doesn’t dull it.
Real love sees clearly.
Without discernment:
Love can become foolish.
Love can be misplaced or even enable sin.
Paul prays that the Philippians would:
“Approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.”
Discernment helps you know what truly helps someone.
Not every “loving” action is actually helpful.
Sometimes real love says no, sets boundaries, speaks truth, and points people to Christ.
Conclusion: Keep Growing in Love
The Christian life is not about settling. It’s about abounding.
Grow continually in love—never settle.
Deepen your relational knowledge of God’s love—so your love becomes stronger and richer.
Sharpen your discernment—so your love becomes wise, pure, and fruitful.
This growth will make your life:
Sincere — genuine, pure before God.
Without offense — blameless and fruitful for God’s glory.
Grow in love.
Grow deeper.
Grow wiser.
Become more like Christ.